Sunday, December 16, 2012

Our dear friends, Mark and Natalie Willoughby, generously invited us and the Mischlers to their home in Park City for a pre-Christmas respite. What a treat - snowboarding on fresh powder, Kaden's first time on skis, a spa day for the girls, and even a night out for the adults! We all had a wonderful time and made memories that will last a lifetime.

Family Photo

Kaden in Brooke's Fancy Nancy pajamas

Poor guy got sick all over himself on the ride from the airport to the house. We thought it was car sickness, but it turned out to be a touch of the stomach flu...which he generously shared with the rest of us. No one let a little bug get them down though and everyone enjoyed their long weekend in the mountains.

First Snow Fall

The kids were mesmerized by watching the snow fall when they woke up the first morning. All three of them couldn't wait to get out there and catch the flakes on their tongues.

Dropping Kaden off at Ski School

We were all quite excited, but the looks of this photo tells that mom was maybe a little anxious about it too. Not to worry, he did great and, more importantly, had a super time!

Looks like a professional to me!

Kaden in action on the slopes!

Kaden seemed to really like ski school. He quickly hugged and kissed me and then was off for his new adventure. Brooke had a difficult time saying good-bye to her mom the second day, so Kaden held her hand and sat with her on a bench saying, "it ok, Brookie" until she calmed down (this we secretly watched from a little side window). Such a sweet boy. As for the actual skiing, the instructors said that he mastered Pizza (wedge stopping) and French Fries (going straight) and, next time, will be ready to try out the chair lift! We were so proud at how much effort our little man showed...little did we know all the kids were being incentivized with Starburst.

The Kids

Trying to get the four of these little monkeys to sit still and pose for a photo in their Christmas PJs was less than successful.

Jingle Bells

In this case, it was a two-horse open sleigh and it was such fun. Cold, but fun.

Bowling after dinner at The Montage

Loving the Snow

Kaden's favorite part about Park City - "eating the sow"

What a difference a couple of years can make!

Sledding

While Kaden enjoyed ski school, he was exhausted after the second day. So, we decided for a more laid back day and took the kids out sledding and snowman building. I think this was their favorite day, the joy of just being free to play in snow was magical for them. Kaden ate tons of snow, we built a pitiful snowman (the snow was not good packing snow- or at least that is what I will blame for the giant fail), and had several turns on the sled (keeping his eyes closed on each turn). His rosy cheeks and gigantic smile filled me with gratitude for this wonderful life and love for my fantastic little boy! We returned to the house and had, what else, hot chocolate with marshmallows! A perfect end to a perfect morning.

HPF

KPF

KPF

Our Family Blog

Inspired by a friend who blogs about her children's adventures, I've decided to record our boys' experiences and milestones in a similar manner. I'm hopeful that my friends and family have half as much fun viewing our life as I have had reading about the Jefferies Family. While our blog may not be half as witty, I hope it is just as charming. More than anything, I hope it is a way for "far-away" family to feel as if they are sharing in our life.